Business

Oil India Limited has confirmed a fresh natural gas discovery in the Andaman offshore region, marking a significant milestone in India’s quest to strengthen domestic energy security. The discovery, made during exploration drilling in a deepwater block, underscores the company’s commitment to augmenting the nation’s hydrocarbon reserves and reducing reliance on imports. While commercial viability studies are underway, the find adds momentum to India’s larger ambition of harnessing untapped offshore resources in frontier basins to meet the country’s growing energy demand.

In a significant step toward deepening consumer engagement in the travel and payments ecosystem, SBI Card and IndiGo have launched two co-branded credit cards: IndiGo SBI Card and IndiGo SBI Card ELITE. Integrated with IndiGo’s BluChip loyalty programme, these cards allow users to earn reward points across flight bookings, hotels, travel services, and everyday purchases. The standard card comes with an annual fee of Rs. 1,499, while the ELITE variant is priced at Rs. 4,999, offering superior privileges including international lounge access, milestone bonuses, and enhanced reward rates.

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has emerged as the 39th most connected airport worldwide, reflecting its growing stature in international aviation. The ranking underscores the airport’s strategic role in facilitating global passenger and cargo movement, enhanced by robust infrastructure, modernized terminals, and efficient operations. Industry experts note that this connectivity milestone boosts India’s aviation profile, encourages tourism, and strengthens trade links.

Rajasthan Chief Minister has called on businesses across the state to ensure that the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate reductions are reflected in consumer prices. Emphasizing the government’s focus on easing the financial burden on households, the move is aimed at stimulating demand and enhancing affordability of essential goods. The CM’s directive underscores the state administration’s commitment to transparency and economic welfare, urging traders and manufacturers to align with policy intentions.

Swiggy, one of India’s leading food delivery platforms, has exited its investment in bike-taxi startup Rapido, marking another significant shift in its corporate strategy. The divestment underscores Swiggy’s growing focus on strengthening its core operations amid intensifying competition in the hyperlocal delivery ecosystem.

Sarovar Hotels has inaugurated a new hospitality property in Alwar, Rajasthan, marking a strategic expansion in the state’s growing tourism sector. The property is designed to cater to both leisure and business travelers, combining modern amenities with local cultural aesthetics. Analysts suggest that this development aligns with the company’s broader growth strategy, leveraging Rajasthan’s rising domestic and international tourism demand. The Alwar property is expected to contribute to revenue growth, enhance brand visibility, and create employment opportunities in the region.

Unilever India has appointed Srinivas Phatak as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), marking a strategic leadership move within the multinational consumer goods company. Phatak brings extensive experience in financial management, corporate strategy, and operational leadership, which is expected to strengthen Unilever India’s focus on sustainable growth and profitability. The appointment comes at a time when consumer goods companies are navigating inflationary pressures, evolving market dynamics, and digital transformation.

Bank of Baroda has officially migrated its online presence to the .bank.in domain, signaling a strategic move to enhance its digital security and brand credibility. This transition aligns with global best practices in banking cybersecurity, offering customers greater confidence in online transactions and communications. Analysts highlight that the move not only mitigates phishing and fraud risks but also underscores the bank’s commitment to modernizing its digital infrastructure.

Krystal Integrated Services has been awarded a significant government contract valued at Rs 168 crore, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. The deal underscores the firm’s expanding footprint in the public sector, reflecting its strong operational capabilities and track record of delivering large-scale projects. Analysts view this contract as a strategic boost, likely to enhance the company’s revenue stream and market credibility.

Tata Motors is positioning itself to achieve price parity with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, a move that could redefine India’s role in the global EV market. By focusing on cost-efficient battery technologies, local supply chain development, and economies of scale, Tata aims to bring its EV offerings closer to the affordability of Chinese models without compromising on quality and safety. The strategy reflects the company’s ambition to expand its footprint both in domestic and overseas markets.